The Buffalo Soldier Gate at Fort Bliss, Texas. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)
A Fort Bliss soldier was killed and another injured during a shooting early Sunday morning at a bar in nearby El Paso, according to base officials and local law enforcement.
Pfc. Manuel Rivera-Pohl, a 24-year-old Apache helicopter crew chief, was taken to The Hospitals of Providence East Campus where he died Sunday evening, said Lt. Col. Jessica Rovero, spokeswoman for the 1st Armored Division, the unit to which both soldiers are assigned.
Rivera-Pohl enlisted in the Army in November 2022 and arrived at Fort Bliss in July 2023, Rovero said. He repaired helicopters within the division’s Combat Aviation Brigade.
An investigation of the incident is ongoing, according to the El Paso Police Department.
The injured soldier is 26, according to police. He was treated at a local hospital and released, Rovero said. He has not been identified.
“The thoughts and prayers of every … soldier are with the family, friends and unit members during this difficult time. We remain committed to ensuring that those impacted by this tragic event receive the support and resources they need,” Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, said in a statement.
Police were called to Legendz Bar and Grill in southeast El Paso at the intersection of Vista Del Sol Drive and Zaragoza Road at about 12:22 a.m. The shooting took place in the bar’s parking lot, according to police.
“We appreciate our first responders for their quick response to ensure the safety of our community and the care they administered to our soldiers,” Rovero said.
Police have not announced any arrests.
Detectives are asking anyone with any information to call 915-832-4400. To remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward call Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 915-566-8477.
Fort Bliss stretches from west Texas into east New Mexico. It supports roughly 90,000 soldiers and family members, with about 17,000 soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Division, the base’s largest unit.
